One of my favourite things to make in my little Harriet Herbery Apothecary is Elderberry Syrup! It's an amazing age old recipe to enhance the immune system and is particularly good during times of colds and flus. Best of all, it's safe for kids!

Black Elderberries (Sambucus Nigra) have been shown to prevent flu and speed recovery in those who have flu. Elderberries contain high levels of A, B and C and stimulate the immune system.

Elderberries are immune enhancing, antiviral and antioxidant and they are suitable for children in influenza, colds and other acute viral infections. So basically, they're a must for every parent in the first aid kit!

This is a really tasty recipe. My 2.5 year old actually asks for it and then says "more please"!

1 cup black elderberries

3½ cups of water

2 Tablespoons fresh or dried ginger root

1 -2 cinnamon sticks

½ teaspoon cloves

1 cup raw honey (I get mine from my local beekeeper)

If you're in Australia, you can find out where your local beekeeper is here: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=zzplKTnSjGhs.k8sAyx_T0CJE

Instructions

Pour the water into a saucepan and add elderberries, ginger, cinnamon and cloves

Bring to a boil and then cover and reduce to a simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour until the liquid has reduced by almost half.

Remove from the heat and let the liquid cool enough so you can handle it.

Mash the berries using a wooden spoon or other flat utensil. Pour through a strainer into a glass jar or bowl.

Discard the elderberries (we compost them) and let the liquid cool to lukewarm.

When it's cooled down, add 1 cup of honey and stir well.

When honey is well mixed into the mixture, pour the syrup into a mason jar and screw on the lid.

Store in the fridge and take daily for its immune boosting properties.

Standard dose is ½ tsp to 1 tsp for kids and ½ Tbsp to 1 Tbsp for adults.

If the flu does strike, take the normal dose every 2-3 hours instead of once a day until symptoms disappear.